The use of skin whitening masks against pigmentation allows not only to lighten, but also to moisturize and tone the skin. Having identified the cause of the formation of age spots, you can whiten your skin at home using natural ingredients. It should not be forgotten that any cosmetic procedures have contraindications that should not be neglected.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of whitening masks?
Modern beauties have a variety of methods at their disposal to combat skin pigmentation. You can get rid of brown, beige or brown spots on the face using salon procedures (liquid nitrogen, laser, chemical peeling, phototherapy), as well as home remedies. Whitening masks, either prepared or purchased, are most often used on their own.
Before you begin to eliminate pigmentation, it is important to find out the reasons for its appearance - to do this, you should consult a doctor. The problem may be associated with the banal aging process or prolonged exposure to the sun. However, in some cases, the appearance of spots on the face is caused by hormonal changes, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, liver or thyroid gland.
The effectiveness of most whitening masks is based on the action of vitamin C, which brightens and evens out skin color. In addition, the natural components in the mixtures have a comprehensive effect on the skin: they increase tissue hydration and nutrition, reduce the severity of wrinkles, and give the face a well-groomed appearance.
Some people think that freckles add a special charm, while others want to get rid of them.
Table: pros and cons of whitening masks
| Advantages | Flaws |
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Products with a brightening effect
Whitening brown spots and freckles at home will not be effective if you do not know the basic ingredients for masks that will help cope with the troubling problem. Natural whitening agents include:
- Parsley.
- Dairy and sour products.
- Lemon.
- Currants and strawberries.
- Vegetables – sweet peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, potatoes.
- Fruit acids contained in pineapple, sour apple, citrus fruits, grapes.
- Green tea.
From pharmaceutical products, homemade whitening masks may include 3% hydrogen peroxide, castor oil, bodyagi powder or gel. It should be taken into account that it is safer to use bodyagu as a peeling in the autumn and winter months, otherwise the removal of the epidermis will affect the appearance of sunburn.
Rules for using masks against age spots
The use of whitening masks must be approached responsibly: follow the recommended dosage, take into account contraindications, and do not abuse the products. You should choose a recipe or a purchased mask taking into account the individual characteristics of the epidermis - only in this case can you achieve a positive result and not harm the skin.
Indications and contraindications
Anti-pigmentation masks are used for the following problems:
- age spots, the occurrence of which is not associated with any diseases;
- freckles;
- tan too dark;
- dull complexion;
- spots and scars left behind by pimples and acne.
Pigment spots most often appear due to excessive exposure of the skin to ultraviolet radiation.
Whitening masks cannot be used in the following cases:
- for overly sensitive, thin, dry skin and in the area near the eyes;
- in the presence of skin rashes, pimples;
- if there are open wounds, abrasions and other injuries on the face;
- with rosacea (looks like spider veins on the face);
- for dermatological diseases - melanoma, keratosis, rosacea, dermatitis, vitiligo and others;
- if there are neoplasms or birthmarks in the treated area;
- in the case of recently undergone cosmetic surgeries and salon procedures (at least a month must pass).
Some ingredients in masks can cause allergies, such as honey. In this case, you cannot use the product. To find out if you are allergic to a mask, apply a small amount to your wrist and wait 1-2 hours. Individual intolerance is indicated by the appearance of itching, swelling, and redness.
Preparation and departure
When performing the procedure yourself, you must follow the instructions:
- First, you should cleanse your face of dirt and makeup by removing all makeup and wiping your face with regular lotion.
- To enhance the effectiveness of masks, you need to use a scrub. Another option is to steam your skin by holding your face over a container of hot herbal infusion.
- It is more convenient to apply the prepared mixture using a cosmetic brush - this is especially true for liquid formulations.
- When distributing the product over the face, it is important to adhere to the direction of the massage lines.
- After application, you should wait 15–20 minutes (no more, otherwise you can harm the skin), and then rinse off the product with warm water.
- At the end of the session, moisturizer must be applied.
Experts recommend applying anti-pigmentation products when you do not plan to go outside, for example, in the evening before bed. Exposure to sunlight on the skin will only worsen the severity of the problem.
Masks should be applied in the direction of the massage lines
How to use part
It is recommended to use whitening masks no more than 2 times a week. You should follow a course of 10–12 sessions, then you need to take a break for 2–3 months. If the result is not achieved, the course can be repeated.
According to reviews from women, a pronounced effect after using lightening compounds occurs no earlier than 2–3 weeks of using the product. However, after the first session, you will notice that the skin looks fresher and more radiant, and the shade has begun to even out.
Are there any side effects?
The use of masks may have the opposite effect in the following cases:
- If you overuse the products, you may experience a feeling of tightness and excessive dryness of the skin, as well as irritation and peeling.
- If pigmentation is caused by hereditary factors or existing diseases, then the use of the compounds will be ineffective and even dangerous.
- The situation with pigmentation may worsen if masks are used in the summer and spring. At this time, the sun is especially active: under its influence, the production of melanin increases, and there will only be more spots.
- In some cases (for example, with deep pigmentation), solving the problem requires an integrated approach - a combination of folk remedies with treatment in a beauty salon.
You should not use masks in summer and spring, when the sun is especially active.
Causes of pigmentation
Pigment spots on the skin of the face may appear for the following reasons:
- during periods of instability of the hormonal system: adolescence, pregnancy and several months after childbirth;
- genetic predisposition;
- diseases of internal organs: liver, kidneys, pancreas and thyroid gland;
- exposure to ultraviolet radiation. In this case, it is recommended to use sun protection: cosmetics, glasses, hats, and also limit exposure to active sunlight;
- uncontrolled use of medications, especially contraceptives;
- skin damage: burns, frostbite, inflammatory acne;
- lack of folic acid in the body, to replenish which you need to eat cruciferous vegetables (white cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower).
Store-bought masks against age spots
If you don’t want to prepare masks yourself, you can use ready-made products. Their components are specially selected to make the process of getting rid of age spots as effective as possible. Before use, be sure to read the instructions.
Table: popular ready-made masks with a brightening effect
| Name | Manufacturer country | Description | Skin type | Method of use | Approximate cost, rub. |
| Good Night White Sleeping Mask from Mizon | Korea | The most popular brightening mask among buyers. Improves and evens out complexion due to the inclusion of niacinamide and mulberry extract. | Any | Apply in the evening after cleansing and wash off in the morning. | 390 |
| CO2 oxygen mask with biogold from Beauty Style | USA | Fights pigmentation, eliminates dull complexion and tightens the skin thanks to biogold, prickly pear extracts and Japanese honeysuckle. Consists of powder and special gel. | Any | Mix two parts of the mask and apply to clean skin, rinse after 20 minutes. | 199 |
| Cream mask Badyaga Forte “7 Notes of Health” | Russia | Contains extracts of Indian cress, string, wheat germ, badyagu and grapefruit oil. Thanks to the active components, the formation of melanin is reduced and spots are lightened. | Any | Apply to the face for 20 minutes, rinse with water. | 250 |
| Tomatox Magic Massage Pack by Tony Moly | South Korea | Effectively evens out tone, refreshes and moisturizes the skin due to tomato extract, niacinamide, kiwi, chamomile and lemon extracts in the composition. | Dry, normal, combination | Apply to cleansed face with massage movements, rinse off after 5-10 minutes. | 1050 |
| Vitamin-C Modeling Mask from ANSKIN | South Korea | The alginite mask contains a high concentration of vitamin C. Evens out the relief, lightens marks from scars, post-acne, and eliminates age-related pigmentation. | Any | The powder is diluted in water using a measuring cup, after which the mixture is applied to the face with a spatula. After 20–25 minutes, the frozen mask is removed in one motion. | 390 |
Photo gallery: purchased whitening masks
Good Night White Sleeping Mask lasts throughout the night
The CO2 oxygen mask with biogold consists of two parts, which when combined form a mixture of light texture
Badyaga Forte “7 Notes of Health” cream mask contains a large number of natural ingredients
The jar in which the Tomatox Magic Massage Pack mask is sold is shaped like a tomato.
Alginite mask Vitamin-C Modeling Mask effectively fights pigmentation due to the high concentration of vitamin C
